Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday that marks the first day of Lent. The day gets its name from the practice of placing ashes, traditionally from the burned palm crosses of the previous year's Palm Sunday, onto the forehead of worshipers as a sign of repentance.

Ash-Wednesday by T S Eliot

Read T. S. Eliot Poetry: ASH WEDNESDAY

Because I do not hope to turn againBecause I do not hopeBecause I do not hope to turnDesiring this man's gift and that man's scopeI no longer strive to strive towards such things(Why should the aged eagle stretch its wings?)Why should I mournThe vanished power of the usual reign? . . . . . (continue reading by following the link)